With an increasing amount of the UK’s military systems now
dependent on space technology, it can today be announced
that RAF Air Command has assumed responsibility for command
and control of UK military space operations to defend the
UK’s interests in space.
The Defence Secretary has also confirmed his intention to
boost the 500 personnel currently working in the UK defence
space sector by a fifth over the next five years, taking
the total to over 600.
The new Strategy, expected in the summer, will set out
plans to protect UK operations against emerging space-based
threats such as jamming of civilian satellites used for
broadcasters and satellite navigation to support military
capabilities
Defence Secretary said:
We must make sure we are primed and ready to deter and
counter the intensifying threats to our everyday life
that are emerging in space. That’s why today I’m
announcing the RAF is taking the lead in this area and
why we plan to increase the number of personnel covering
space.
Satellite technology is not just a crucial tool for our
Armed Forces but vital to our way of life, whether that
be access to our mobile phones, the internet or
television. It is essential we protect our interests and
assets from potential adversaries who seek to cause major
disruption and do us harm.
Britain is a world leader in the space industry and our
defence scientists and military personnel have played a
central role in the development of the EU’s Galileo
satellite programme alongside British companies, so it is
important we also review our contribution and how we plan
for alternative systems in this crucial area.
As part of the EU’s Galileo programme, UK companies have
led the way in developing innovative satellite technology.
The UK has contributed €1.4bn (£1.2bn) in funding to the
programme and provided vital ground infrastructure in the
Falklands and the Ascension Islands. Participation in
Galileo with the appropriate level of access and
involvement remains our preferred option, however we are
working on alternative options, and as part of this the MOD
will work with the UK Space Agency to explore opportunities
for UK companies.
Speaking at the conference, Defence Minister said:
Space is a vital part our economy, with an industry worth
£14 billion a year. With the launch of this Strategy, we
are setting our aspirations much higher, to ensure that
our industry continues to benefit from this growth in
satellite technology. We are investing millions into
Britain’s most innovative companies to help us launch
forward in the space domain.
Speaking at the conference, Chief of the Air Staff, Air
Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hiller said:
I am determined to ensure that the RAF’s leadership of
military space operations transforms our ability to
address the growing threats and hazards. In doing this,
it is essential that we work jointly across Defence and
with partners cross Government and internationally.
Satellites and space-based services provide communications,
imagery, precision targeting and friendly force tracking
for the Armed Forces. As the reliance on satellites
continues to grow, any disruption could lead to severe
consequences, whether by natural or man-made hazards, or
intentional threats from hostile states. The Defence Space
Strategy will examine how we can work with our allies
across NATO and the five-eyes partnership to protect and
defend our mutual space interests.
The Defence Space Conference is taking place from 21-22 May
2018 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BY
